LANSING ? Michigan small businesses can earn statewide recognition by entering this year?s Michigan 50 Companies to Watch awards program, underwritten by the Edward Lowe Foundation. The contest celebrates second-stage entrepreneurs. Companies can be nominated through Dec. 14. Completed applications are due Dec. 31.
To be considered for selection as one of the 50 Companies to Watch in Michigan, an enterprise must:
1. Be a second-stage company, defined as employing six to 99 full-time-equivalent employees, and at $750,000 to $50 million in gross annual receipts or sales, or in working capital from investors or grants.
2. Be privately held.
3. Be headquartered in Michigan.
4. Demonstrate the intent and capacity to grow based on accomplishments such as: employee or sales growth, exceptional entrepreneurial leadership, sustainable competitive advantage, or other notable factors that showcase the company?s success.
Winners will be recognized April 19, 2006, at Michigan Celebrates Small Business, an annual awards event that is a joint effort of the U.S. Small Business Administration ? Michigan, the Small Business Association of Michigan, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center and the Edward Lowe Foundation.
Event participants are National City, the top SBA lender in Michigan for four consecutive years; Clark Hill Attorneys at Law; and the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, a wholly owned and independent operating subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Media partners are MiBizWest/Southwest, Upper Peninsula Business Today, Northwest Michigan Business News, Greater Lansing Business Monthly, Business Review Lansing-Jackson, Crain?s Detroit Business, News/Talk 760 WJR Detroit, ?Business Today? on WILX-TV10 Lansing-Jackson and MiTechNews.com.
Nomination information can be obtained at any National City branch in Michigan or by clicking on EdwardLowe.Org/Michigan50
